Orange Express: Wednesday, June 4

By
LUKE SCHUYLER

Central Western Daily reporter Luke Schuyler with you for Orange Express this morning, providing everything you'll need for an exciting day as we celebrate June 4, the 155th day of the year.

If you know something our readers might find useful - a news tip or traffic report - please email it to nick.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au or text it to 0477 308 571.

First off, today's weather ...

The Weather Report

Today we're expecting a mostly sunny day but don't forget to rug up because it's only set to reach a top of 12 degrees, with a low of two degrees.

Around the central west, both Dubbo and Bathurst are expecting a glorious top of 16 degrees, with no chance of rain. We should be jealous.

7.15am: Happy birthday to anyone who is celebrating their birthdays today.

You're in fine company.

You're sharing your special day with actress Angelina Jolie (38), who's best known for her roles in Mr & Mrs Smith and Salt, and of course has recently married Brad Pitt in a secret ceremony right here in Australia.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Angelina Jolie turns 38 today.

Comedian Russell Brand also turns 38 today, while Australian country singer Kasey Chambers, you know the one who sounds like a broken record and famous for her 'unforgettable' hit Not Pretty Enough, turns 37.

In case you've forgotten this 'memorable' hit, here's a reminder...

Other exciting events to share the June 4 anniversary include loveable larrikin Steve Irwin marrying Terri on this day in 1992 and the Rolling Stones released their smash hit Satisfaction in 1965.

If you're having a birthday tomorrow, or celebrating a special occassion, make sure you e-mail nick.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au

7.30am: Here's what's happening on our roads today.

Morning roadmap

We're here to keep you on the front foot when it comes to roadworks in the city. Check out what upgrades Orange City Council will be undergoing today, and steer clear if you can. If you can't, please stay safe on our roads.

Work is continuing at the Margaret and Hill Street intersection, with a temporary seal added to the roadway at the intersection. Burrendong Way south from the council boundary is still under construction, the first section of the road was sealed last week.

Underground cabling is being prepared for Forest Road, and is a step towards construction of traffic lights for the intersection at the entrance to the Bloomfield Hospital gates and the new aged care facility. Contractors will continue to pour concrete for a shared bicycle-pedestrian path from Spring Street to McLachlan Street, the work is expected to take a further two weeks.

Finally, weather permitting, there will also be brief delays for drivers in Bulgas Road, where more of the road will be sealed past the Suma Park Dam entryway.

The RMS advises that roadwork will be taking place on or around the following major roads in the central west:

The Great Western Highway is under construction at several places; near McDonalds Lithgow and between Bathurst and Mt Victoria. Intersection improvements are being made near Kelso, while drainage work is being done at Mt Victoria.

Work is also being undertaken on Henry Parkes Way near Manildra and there is bridge maintenance being done near Larras Lane, on the Mitchell Highway.

Please expect lane closures or delays at these locations.

7.40am: Now to a little bit of music.

According to the Aria Charts this morning, Aussie hip-hop band Justice Crew somehow have the number one hit in the country with Que Sera.

In the albums category, it's Cold Play's Ghost Stories that has rocketed to number one spot.

Amazingly, The Very Best of INXS sits number eight in the albums chart after a whopping 42 weeks in there. And in a useless bit of trivia, the band's first 'best of' album, The Best of INXS, was released on this exact day way back in 2002.

Now to celebrate one of Australia's greatest ever bands, let's wind the clock back with this absolute classic from Michael and the boys and their masterpiece Never Tear Us Apart.

7.50am: Speaking of famous Australians, Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and co are dominating the big screen with X-Men: Days of Future Past.

For the second week in a row X-Men: Days of Future Past holds top spot at the local box office, earning a whopping $4.473 million last week alone.

Top 5:

1. X-Men: Days of Future Past - $4.473 million (Fox); 2. Maleficent - $4.038 million (Disney); 3. A Million Ways to Die in the West - $2.245 million (Universal); 4. Godzilla - $1.195 million (Roadshow); 5. Bad Neighbours - $1.131 million (Universal).

POPULAR: Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

On the small screen, last night it was Channel 7's House Rules that won the ratings.

This week it's Bomber and Mel who get to sit back as the others slug it out working on their South Australian home (and lucky for us we'll see no more of Mel crying!!)

The renovation show has continued to topple Nine Network's The Voice, which this week had it's lowest ever figures (maybe we're all getting sick of the countless music/talent shows?)

Gallery of the day

8.15am: Now let's look at what's making news around the country this morning.

National headlines

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has the support of the Australian public when it comes to asylum-seekers.

Entering talks with Indonesia with overwhelming public support for the forced turn-back of asylum seeker boats: Prime Minister Tony Abbott

The forced turn-back of asylum-seeker boats to Indonesia has overwhelming public support in Australia, bolstering Prime Minister Tony Abbott as he sits down today with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Going to the polls

You may have been reading about Qatar being stripped of hosting rights of the 2022 World Cup amid allegations they bought votes to win.

The Federal Government pledged $45.6 million to help fund Australia's bid. Now we're back in the running, it's a lot of money to spend, especially if the budget promise to 'get back in the black' is still Tony's main focus.

9am: That wraps it up for today, from me (Luke) and everyone at the Central Western Daily, a big thumbs up and don't forget, it's only 204 days until Christmas.